Hat Yai (People's Daily) — Lion and dragon dances, fireworks and more than 100 food and lifestyle stalls marked the opening of the "Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @ HATYAI" in Hat Yai, southern Thailand, on Tuesday February 17.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches "Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @ HATYAI" on Tuesday February 17 in Hat Yai, Songkhla province of Thailand. (Photos: Sun Guangyong/People’s Daily app)

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in collaboration with Hat Yai City municipality and the Thai-Chinese Association of Songkhla, organized the four-day event, which runs through February 20 in Songkhla province.

Organizers said the festival is expected to draw more than 50,000 Thai and international visitors. The program includes cultural performances and illuminated displays.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches "Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @ HATYAI" on Tuesday February 17 in Hat Yai, Songkhla province of Thailand.

Jirawat Manichoti, deputy governor of Songkhla province, said Hat Yai is a major economic center in southern Thailand with infrastructure that includes an international airport, hotels and tourism facilities.

Nat Kruthasoot, deputy governor for tourism products and business at the tourism authority, said the event is intended to support Hat Yai's economic recovery following severe flooding in November 2025.